Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  By Mark - July 16 - 12:03 pm

  I just bought this car and was very surprised at the deal I got 12600 sel awd and only 17k. This was a no brainer. I just do not know why there are so many of them out there for such a great price. I love the features.

• 

  Ill Take Another One Please! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Tony Fields - July 16 - 4:30 am

  Fantastic ride. Strong, tough, no blind spots. Great vision from all angles. Rides like a car, behaves like a truck. Best size SUV on the market, price wise, and reliability.

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  10 years later and Exlporer is still #1 - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By jpneuf - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer is 10 years old now and will soon be off to an auction. Its with a heavy heart that I say good-bye to an old friend who has been with me through so many adventures. Ford can be proud of their Explorer. Time and time again I found myself driving through several feet of snow with ease and confidence. Even as the years passed and the miles mounted, my Explorer was ready for any challege. The vehicle is solid, runs smooth, has good power. I often wonder why Ford had to put a V8 in tghe newer Explorers? What do people need with all that power? I cant think of anything one would do with a V8 that the old V6 couldnt do with ease. Way to go Ford!

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  Beats the heck out of a KIA! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By goldiespeople - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I like driving the ZX2. I can go two weeks on a tank of gas. The "pep" of the engine is just right for me and my needs. Not to mention the affordability.

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  Good for the long haul - 1996 Ford Windstar
  By happy driver - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle since May of 1996. It was the first vehicle I found that could pack all my kids stuff for college and still ride well enough that my wife did not get carsick during the 4 hour drive to college. During all the time we have owned it, it has always been available for duty and has only needed the routine maintenance. I did finally this spring put new brakes on the vehicle. I look forward to buying a Ford again.

• 

  my car - 1990 Ford Thunderbird
  By cindy - July 16 - 2:00 am

  bought this car at an auction,very reliable and fun to drive,easy on gas and low maintaince....few problems overall but low cost in servicing..

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  Good little truck - 1999 Ford Ranger
  By cbunner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I like the truck and plan to drive it until it wont go anymore. One thing to watch for is the flair side bed opening at the tail gate is < 4 ft so it will not fit drywall or plywood. That is why I got the styleside, not as pretty, but more functional. 4.0 V6 gives a good amount of power for the mountains. When it is time to buy again, if Ford as the 4-door cab, I will look strongly at the Ranger again.

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  6000+ mile review update- - 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
  By Uncleserg - July 15 - 12:33 pm

  First off Ford has a winner here. The car is super solid, no interior rattles/noise and extremely comfortable ride. The interior is quiet and the car ride is smooth. Ford did not go cheap on the materials or the construction of the car. The leather sits are very soft/comfortable. So far very impressed w/this car. My strt mpg has avg high 41/43 and on hwy itÂ’s been around 40/41 mpg. On short 3 mile drives IÂ’ve gotten the occasional 55+ mpg ride. Those donÂ’t happen often but when they do itÂ’s an awesome feeling. One last note the mileage IÂ’ve been getting on a tank fluctuates between 615 to 675 total miles and I still have less then 1/4 of a tank. Key to good mpg is having car battery charged.

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  Best Mid Size Pick-up/ SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
  By Papa Bung - July 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck that I ever had. You can fit five passengers in it and still have room to put 4 golf bags in the back without a problem. It hace a nice stiff ride and the 4.0L V6 have got really nice pick-up. You can get a lot truck for your money. You wont be disappointed. It a great buy!

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  I love my truck - 1994 Ford Ranger
  By Bob Dinkel - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic vehicle for single person or couple with no children. It is fun to drive, functional and reliable. Before we had children there is no vehicle I would have traded it for.